Ryerson Art+Design Magazine (RADmag) was born out of a vision to create a medium of celebration, inspiration, and collaboration — to celebrate and showcase the work of students in Photography, Fashion, and Interior Design, to provide an outlet to inspire one another and the world at large, and aid in connecting students in these related visual disciplines.

Never underestimate the power of a well-designed bookshelf. Whether it be crammed and overflowing, or neat and alphabetized, bookshelves possess a narrative that goes beyond the books and into the owner itself. That’s right, I said it - bookshelves can say just as much about a person as their wardrobe does - it even bares the same “hoarding-prone” characteristics. Sometimes the aesthetic appeal alone is warrant enough for a spot on your shelf. However, knowing when to ditch and when to add is as much a part of the styling process as great finds..

I’ve highlighted a few of my go-to rules for inspiration, because let’s be real, you do not need to be a literary god to have a stunning bookshelf.

1. Create a theme

Start by deciding on a theme that represents you as a person. This could be anything from organizing by size, subject or colour. Once you’ve decided on a system, maintaining cleanliness and mastering decor becomes much easier. Personally, I am much more of an organized chaos kind of gal, but that doesn’t mean there’s no order - it just means what may looks like a disaster to some, is actually carefully assembled.

Courtesy of Dwell

2. Don’t forget about space

Even if you are the type to make disorganized chaos look chic, don’t forget to consider space. Leaving room for negative space will create contrast between your books and decorative objects. Furthermore, it will help your bookshelf breathe, automatically transforming it from stuffy to modern. Designating white space will also allow you to personalize the shelves, for instance including picture frames or accessories.

Courtesy of Diane Likes Art

Courtesy of Style Caster

3. Don’t be afraid to push the boundaries

For all you rule breakers out there… this one's for you. If we’re thinking basics - strictly down to the thought of bookshelves - then sure, they may seem pretty boring. However, bookshelves are exceptionally versatile in the world of design, because they are limitless - they can truly take on any form. Whether you choose to use it purely for books, or for maximum storage (plants, artwork, you name it) bookshelves allow you to add your own spin on the classic staple.

Courtesy of Poppy Talk

Have you recently renovated your bookshelf? Show us by tagging @radmag on Instagram!